A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)
Page 43
“There’s no reason for you to come in,” Archer said. “I can handle this.”
“Hi, Archer,” Josie called. “I was just telling Hunter I wanted to come visit the hospital, you know, without Sprinkles as a patient.”
“You sure?” Hunter asked, already pulling onto the shoulder of the road.
She nodded. “Absolutely.”
His crooked smile warmed her heart. “All right. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” And he hung up, pulling across the empty four-lane road and heading back to town
. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?”
“Sounds like you need to get there. And I’d be up for a tour of the hospital, after you save the day in your dashing white coat, of course.”
“You said it was irresistible,” he reminded her, grinning broadly.
“Did I?”
He sighed, shaking his head.
“I know you can’t talk about the case. Doctor-patient confidentiality and all that,” she teased. “But I am curious.”
He shook his head. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
“Do you always get attached to your patients?”
“No.” He smiled. “But every once in a while, an animal stands out. Depends on their personality, their nature. Just like people.”
“That makes sense,” she agreed. “Some people are way more likable than others.”
He laughed. “Ain’t that the truth?”
“You just said ain’t.” She giggled.
He shot her a look as he turned into the parking lot and parked in front of the large glass doors. The lights cut through the dark, casting a welcoming glow into the cold night. “Mars is a sweet thing.” He got out of the truck.
Before he could come around and open the door, she hopped out. “You don’t have time to be all gentlemanly right now.” She hooked her arm through his and pulled him toward the door.
The thick glass doors slid open without a sound and four faces peered at them over the admissions desk.
“Dr. Boone,” one of the young men said. “Dr. Boone...er, your brother is in OR 1 waiting for you.”
“Dr. Boone, don your super coat and save Mars.” She glanced at him. “Okay, admit it, that sounded hilarious.”
He laughed, reaching up one hand to stroke her cheek. She froze, her heart racing and her lungs desperately seeking air while his intense blue-green eyes bore into hers.
“Good luck,” she whispered.
He nodded. “Be back soon.” His attention wandered to the fourth-year students at the desk and his hand fell to his side. He shot her a small smile, then disappeared behind the swinging door labeled Staff Only.
She waved at the students sitting behind the admissions desk before taking in the waiting room of the teaching hospital. Last time she was here, she’d been too caught up in her father and Sprinkles to appreciate the facility. She read over one of the framed articles hanging on the wall, baffled by the list of contributors and clinicians praising the work done at the school and the educators on staff. UET wasn’t just one of the best teaching hospitals in the country but, apparently, the world. Good for you, Hunter. The sting of tears surprised her, but the swell of pride didn’t. She’d always known Hunter was capable of anything.
Movement distracted her, drawing her attention to the massive aquarium full of brilliantly colored fish and coral. She wandered closer, watching the rich sunshine-yellow, vibrant cobalt-blue and fiery-red fish hide behind whatever cover they had.
“Would you like some coffee?” a young woman asked.
Josie turned around. “No, thank you.” Her stomach grumbled, loudly. “But I’m starving. Have you guys eaten? And where can a girl order pizza around here?”
Chapter Nine